OSWEGO COUNTY – Students in the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation’s (CiTi’s) Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs recently had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with U.S. Armed Forces members from several branches to discuss career opportunities.
CiTi’s 2nd Annual Military Day helped bridge students with eight different branches of the U.S. military including the Air National Guard, Airforce, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force and Army National Guard. CiTi Business Education Liaison Garrette Weiss, the organizer of the event, said it’s important for students to obtain the knowledge about the occupational opportunities within each branch of the military.
“Knowing that the students at CiTi have the opportunity to fully understand what occupational options are available in the military is a huge reason why we do this,” said Weiss. “This event builds the pathway to obtain these options.”
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Austin T. Wilkens said that the event was an “absolute success” and enjoyed connecting with young individuals that he wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet otherwise.
“The U.S. Army offers the opportunity to apply the skills learned at CiTi BOCES, in the form of public service, to their local community and at a national level as well,” Wilkins said. “There are many misconceptions about serving in the U.S. Army, and events such as these are extremely important.”
Students were able to walk around to each tent that was perched up by the branch and jump in and explore armored vehicles, cutters and one massive snowplow. A couple branches also had students participate in interactive demonstrations.
“I think it is immensely important to expose students to the military and having events like this can really showcase alternative options that students may not have been aware of before,” said Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Sarah Pietricola. “CiTi thrives off the idea that trades and skills are viable career choices, so I think pairing that with a military themed career fair can give those students something to really consider.”
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